2010 BIMOTA DB8 2 SEATED BEST PERFORMANCE SPECS

Bimota have released pics and tech specs of their new ‘Biposto’ superbike called the DB8 which is fitted with the Ducati 1198’s L-twin engine, two seated superbike and at 23,000 euros, 3,000 euros cheaper than the Ducati 1098-engined DB7. As a result, the 1198 testastretta evoluzione, 4v twin cylinder 90° develops no less than 170 HP at 9.750 rpm and 131.4 Nm at 8.000 rpm. That’s even more impressive in relation to the 392.4 lbs (178 kg) weight of the bike. This means even more engine performance that the Bimota DB7 for less money. I believe we’re starting to understand the whole affordability thing.

The DB8 is pegged as a more affordable Bimota, though with 170bhp and 131Nm of torque from its Ducati engine, and with a dry weight of 171 kilos, it should certainly not be lacking in the performance department. Of course, it uses materials that are a bit less exotic compared to the DB7’s spec – the carbonfibre bodywork has been replaced with plastic, the exhaust is made of steel rather than titanium and the chassis subframe is now made of steel rather than carbonfibre.

In terms of styling, the Bimota DB8 still looks nowhere near as good as the Ducati 1198, but for fans of the Rimini-based marque, the DB8 could be a good way to enter the hallowed world of Bimota ownership, at a relatively reasonable price

Bimota spokesman Anna Carla Cuneo says: “Bimota customers are used to being surprised with new and innovative motorcycles offering unique design, good power and light weight – and many of them also have a wife or girlfriend that would like to come along. We are sure this design will be a big success.”

Bimota hopes to sell 250 such motorcycles for $33,057 (€23,000) while still producing their DB7 model, which starts at $37,369 (€26,000). It may sound like much for the average superbike buyer, but it is what Bimota considers ‘entry level’, so I guess we weren’t too far off after all.

Built around the same consecrate oval section CroMo hybrid chassis now linked to a aluminum subframe and featuring also Marocchi and Extreme Tech suspension front and rear, it is easy to see how building costs have been reduced, but we should also mention that the DB7’s carbon fiber fairing has been replaced with a cheaper, plastic one. The DB8 has gained 8cm nose-to-tail (though wheelbase remains the same) and 8kg, taking its weight to 178kg, countered by the bigger 1198 motor’s extra 8bhp and 6ftlb over the DB7. The rear seat allows for a useful bit of underseat storage